Royal human rights initiatives lauded

Manama : His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s initiative to activate the terms of reference of the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR) has been lauded by the Information Affairs Minister and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bahrain Institute for Political Development (BIPD), Ali bin Mohammed Al Rumaihi. 

HM the King has also upgraded its role in consolidating and protecting human rights, under the provisions of the Constitution and national legislation, and in accordance with the Paris Principles of 1993 relating to the Status of National Institutions, as well as the global human rights standards.

Ever since its inauguration following the endorsement of the Bahraini people of the National Action Charter and the constitutional amendments by an overwhelming majority of 98.4pc 15 years ago, HM the King’s pioneering Reform Project has ensured respect for human rights and dignity for all the citizens.

The Minister pointed out that the expansion of the powers of the NIHR, the Office of the Ombudsman at the Ministry of Interior, the Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission (PDRC) and the Special Investigation (SIU) at the Public Prosecution, among others, embodies the Kingdom’s voluntary commitments within the Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism.

“The Kingdom’s human rights strides are also reflected in its ratification of more than 24 international conventions  as well as those related to the elimination of racial discrimination and elimination of discrimination against women, Convention on the Rights of the Child, Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and others,” he said. Al Rumaihi noted the keenness of the Information Affairs Ministry and the BIPD to cooperate with the NIHR and the Board of Commissioners in making proposals and recommendations, holding forums and conducting studies to consolidate and spreade the human rights culture. The Minister also expressed pride in the achievements attained during HM the King’s prosperous era regarding the widening of press and media freedom.